Students and teachers from 11 Tristate high schools recently formed the Midwest's first chapter of Cappies — Critics and Awards Program — a 2-year-old Virginia-based organization through which high school students review theatrical productions of member schools.

COMING SHOWS

• Mason High School Performing Arts presents The Wiz, April 18-21, Ticket reservations and information: 459-7336.     • St. Xavier High School's Theatre Xavier presents the musical My Favorite Year, April 18-20, and 25-27. Tickets and information: 761-7600 ext. 585.

        Following are excerpts from student reviews of Princeton High School's recent production of The Dining Room:

        “This smart, refreshing play is not your normal rendition of high school theater. The play presents different scenes all set in the dining room, and looks upon the importance of the ever-famous dining room table ... Every object is viewed as having a story to tell. The diverse stories take place anywhere from present-day 2002 to turn-of-the-century 1900s.”

        — Emily Wood, Taylor High School

        “The Dining Room was performed in "theater-in-the-round.' The entire cast seemed comfortable and confident on a small stage. They performed only a few feet away from the audience members that surrounded them on all sides. The simplicity of the set, which consisted merely of a table, a few chairs, and a small chandelier, allowed the audience to be immersed in subtle complexities of the show.”

        — Katie Hollstegge, Mother of Mercy

        “The 36-member cast was extremely talented. The Princeton students had clearly mastered the concept of "presence,' with standout performances by comedic duo Aaron Holbrook and Antoine Brown ... there was excellent use of facial expressions and body movement, especially by Damon Trammell as a frustrated father. The ensemble worked fluidly together to create believable and memorable scenes.”

        —Kelly Goldston, Mason High

        “It witnessed the mingling of generations, newfound love and interracial relationships. Erin Kennedy did an outstanding job portraying a frazzled (student) and later an energetic child anxious for a bite of birthday cake ... LaToya Jones also captured the audience's attention with her convincing performance as an early-century maid.”

        — Allyson Stark, Mason High

        “... the "Old Lady' played by Anne Coale was very convincing as an old person who no longer remembers who her family is.”

        - Crissy Klapper, Taylor High

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